If you’re thinking about making a move to Ontario’s largest city, searching through the Toronto houses for sale, it’s important to consider all the pros and cons to ensure the best decision possible. While moving to any new place can be exciting and bring lots of opportunities, perhaps a better job, it can also be filled with struggles if you aren’t prepared to deal with the inevitable bumps.
Of course, you could also be a student who plans to study in Toronto. Most students think “How can I find someone to do my homework for me,” when they are actually just looking for ways to connect with other students who can help or a colleague who can assist them while they are weighing their options on where to live and study in Toronto – not to mention the process of moving and setting up your new home for the next two to four years or longer.
Consider all the advantages and disadvantages of living in Toronto so that you’ll understand what challenges you’re likely to face, and what benefits you’ll enjoy making the right choice for your situation.
The Pros
There’s an amazing food scene. Toronto is one of North America’s top foodie cities. It’s famous for its diverse range of authentic fare from nearly all corners of the globe as it’s one of the world’s most multicultural cities. No matter what you’re craving, you can find it here, from the home-cooked German meals at Schnitzel Queen to Mediterranean-style plates at the unique Brothers Food and Wine, hidden at the top of Bay Subway Station, there will be a long list of new places to try.
The crime rate is low. Toronto is often named among the safest large cities in the world, and it was recently ranked the safest in all of North America according to a report by The Economist Intelligence Unit which analyzed 60 cities on five different continents.
Career opportunities. Toronto is Canada’s financial capital, employing around a quarter-million people in the financial sector, and it’s a great place to be to enjoy a thriving career in business. The biggest technology, pharmaceutical, and international research companies can be found here. Both big-name organizations and tech startups are bringing thousands of jobs and talented employees to the city. It’s also a great place to start a business. Toronto has a rich base of potential customers, a strong workforce that can be hired at reasonable prices, big-city cultural amenities and a positive social climate for families.
A wide range of appealing neighborhoods. There are 230 different neighborhoods in the Greater Toronto Area, all with something unique of its own, from the architecture and style to character, which means there’s bound to be at least one that’s just right for you.
The Cons
The weather. Expect to experience hot, humid summers and very chilly winters, although, with Toronto’s location along Lake Ontario, it does help to keep things a bit warmer in winter and cooler in the summer as compared to many other Canadian cities. And, when you want to cool off you’ll find some great beaches to enjoy. Of course. all that snow means great skiing or snowboarding and you’ll find many outstanding places to hit the slopes within a two-hour drive.
Housing Isn’t Cheap. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, Toronto housing is expensive. While you won’t pay as much as you would in Vancouver if you’re hoping to live right in the city, the average cost of a fully detached home is over $1.2 million. With so many well-paying jobs, however, the increase in pay might make up for the higher cost of living.
The Traffic. Most big cities struggle with traffic congestion, and there’s no exception here, although there are many alternatives to driving your own car, including subways, busses, streetcars, rail and carpooling.
